Nicola Shearer, 25, told The Daily Telegraph that she was asked on entry to Odeon Liverpool One if she knew that the film was silent.

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"Of course I knew it was and I asked the usher why she wanted to know," she replied.

"She then told me some people complained and asked for refunds because there is no sound and the screen is smaller. I thought it was really funny and laughed."

Despite initially denying that complaints had been made, an Odeon spokesperson later said: "Odeon Liverpool One can confirm it has issued a small number of refunds to guests who were unaware that The Artist was a silent film.

"The cinema is happy to offer guests a refund on their film choice if they raise concern with a member of staff within ten minutes of the film starting."